Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
The umbra is the region where the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon.
B
The penumbra is the area where the Sun is completely blocked, leading to a total eclipse.
C
A total solar eclipse can only occur when the Moon is in the new moon phase.
D
The penumbra allows partial sunlight to reach the Earth, resulting in a partial solar eclipse.
E
The umbra and penumbra are created by the Moon's shadow on the Earth.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
A solar eclipse begins with the Moon’s penumbral shadow cutting across the Earth, producing a brief partial phase that grows as the umbra starts to touch the surface. If the alignment is perfect, the umbra then moves over the Earth and a brief total or annular phase occurs, during which the Sun is either completely covered or rings around the Moon. After the umbra passes, the partial phase resumes as the penumbra recedes. The entire event is divided into these three stages—partial, total/annular, and partial again. For example, on 8 July 2023, the eclipse started with a partial phase, reached totality for 3 minutes, and finished with another partial phase.
Detailed Explanation
Each statement contains at least one mistake or missing condition, so none of them accurately describe the eclipse phases. Other options are incorrect because Many learners think the umbra is where the Sun is fully hidden, which is correct, but the statement fails to mention that this occurs only when the Moon’s shadow falls precisely on Earth, a rare alignment; Some students believe the penumbra blocks the Sun entirely, but the penumbra only dims part of the Sun.
Key Concepts
Solar eclipse phases
Umbra and penumbra
Celestial alignment
Topic
Solar Eclipse Phases
Difficulty
medium level question
Cognitive Level
understand
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